The Austrian manufacturer officially launched 2 versions of the Freeride E electric motorcycle, and said they should reach European dealers in the next few weeks.

KTM showed off prototypes of the Freeride E over the past few years, and had promised a customer version by the end of 2014. It is nice to see a manufacturer deliver on its promises, especially concerning electric motorcycles…

The Freeride E comes in two versions. The Freeride E-SX is the closed-course model, weighs 106 kg (234 lbs) and has a price of €10,995 ($14,117). The Freeride E-XC is the street-legal version which comes with lights, turn signals, mirrors and an ignition/steering lock. It weighs 110 kg (242 lbs) and costs €11,295 ($14,502). Both have the same brushless electric motor rated at 11 kW (15 hp) with a peak output of 16 kW (21.5 hp) and 42 Nm of torque. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is water-cooled. The removable 2.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack allows for about one hour of riding.

This is the first electric motorcycle marketed by one of the established motorcycle manufacturer. The official press release mentions that the Freeride E is “the absolute foundation of KTM’s long-term commitment to E-mobility”. But it also adds “While KTM doesn’t believe that electrically powered motorcycles will replace conventional combustion engines in the near future, the company has a clear vision in the creation of a segment in its own right.” Difficult to argue with KTM right now, but we would still like to see the Freeride E in the US as soon as possible.

So congratulations and welcome to the E-mobility world, KTM! Maybe this will wake up the other established motorcycle manufacturers…